Dr. Sangu Delle has launched the Youth Economic Empowerment Program under the auspices of the Sangu Delle Foundation in Nandom in the Upper West Region.
He describes the initiative as a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a testament to his unwavering commitment to the development and prosperity of the people of Nandom.
Dr. Sangu explained the urgent need to address the economic challenges facing the youth across Ghana, especially in the Upper West Region.
The data on poverty and unemployment paint a stark picture.
“Youth unemployment in Ghana hovers around 12%, with underemployment rates even higher. In rural areas like Nandom, these numbers are exacerbated, with many young people struggling to find meaningful and sustainable employment” he said.
According to the World Bank, over 80% of the Ghanaian workforce is employed in the informal sector, which often lacks the stability and opportunities for growth that our youth need to thrive. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent the dreams deferred and potential unrealized of countless young men and women. They reflect a systemic issue that requires innovative solutions and unwavering dedication. It is within this context that the Youth Economic Empowerment Program emerges as a lifeline.
Dr. Sangu mentioned that the program will focus on several key areas including Entrepreneurship and Skill Development, Access to Capital, Mentorship and Support Networks and Market Access and Agricultural Innovation.
The Youth Economic Empowerment Program has 3 main programs namely Agriculture, Technology and Creative Economy.
It is estimated that only about 10% of youth in rural areas have access to financial services necessary to scale their businesses. To this end, the Sangu Delle Foundation has in honor of his late uncle H.E. Rear Admiral Chemogoh Kevin Dzang, The Admiral Dzang Agricultural Entrepreneurship Grant designed to support the heart of Nandom’s economy: farmers and entrepreneurs.
H.E. Rear Admiral Chemogoh Kevin Dzang MSG (27 July 1941 — 29 December 2009) was born at Nandom in the Upper West Region of Ghana. He was a naval officer and a former Chief of Naval Staff of the Ghana Navy. He also served Ghana as a Secretary of State for Defence and an ambassador to Japan, the Commonwealth of Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam and Thailand. But the identity dearest to him was that of a farmer. He farmed throughout his career and after retirement went into farming.
The Fred McBangoluri Technology Entrepreneurship Grant Program is in honour of the current Provost and President at Academic City College. This pivotal initiative is designed to empower our youth to harness the transformative power of technology. This program will provide aspiring tech entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, mentorship, and funding to turn their groundbreaking ideas into thriving businesses. By investing in the tech sector, we aim to position Nandom as a hub of technological innovation, driving progress and prosperity for our entire community and the nation.
“In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology entrepreneurship presents a unique opportunity for innovation, economic growth, and job creation. According to the World Bank, digital economies in Africa have the potential to grow to over $180 billion by 2025, driven by the increasing adoption of mobile technology and internet access. In Ghana alone, the tech sector has seen a 12% annual growth rate, with successful startups like mPharma and Zipline showcasing the immense potential of tech-driven solutions” Dr. Sangu said.
The Kwame Karikari Creative Arts Grant is in honor of Professor Kwame Karikari. This grant is a transformative initiative aimed at fostering, the immense talent within a community and driving economic growth through the creative economy. This program will provide budding artists, designers, and creators with the funding, mentorship, and resources needed to bring their visions to life. By nurturing the creative economy, we aim to make Nandom a vibrant centre for artistic expression and cultural innovation, contributing to the socio-economic development of our region.
“The Mninwell Delle Women Empowerment Program is named after my late grandmother and the mother of our King, Nandom Naa who was a Pito brewer. We will be supporting in our first phase 1,000 women entrepreneurs in hairdressing, tailoring, weaving, pito brewing, trading and farming with equipment, training, capital and subsidized loans.”
The context behind our interventions and all these initiatives are part of a broader vision for the future of Nandom—a vision where every young person has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential regardless of who they are or where they come from. It is a vision that recognises the untapped potential of our youth and seeks to harness it for the collective good of our community.
“As I look to the future, I am filled with hope and determination. I am committed to not only launching this program but also to seeing it through to success and this marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nandom. Together, we can turn the tide of youth unemployment and underemployment. Together, we can build a brighter future for our young people. Together, we can ignite the dreams of our youth and propel Nandom to new heights of prosperity” he concluded.
